To Richard Watson Gilder

Old friends are best! And so to you
Again I send, in closer throng,
No unfamliar shapes of song,
But those that once you liked and knew.
You surely will not do them wrong;
For are you not an old friend, too? --
Old friends are best.
Old books, old wine, old Nankin blue; --
All things, in short, to which belong
The charm, the grace that Time makes strong, --
All these I prize, but (entre nous)
Old friends are best.